Can Chemical Modifications be Used as Biomarkers for Cancer?
Yes, chemical modifications can serve as valuable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. For instance, abnormal DNA methylation patterns can be detected in blood or tissue samples and used to identify the presence of cancer or predict its progression. Similarly, specific histone modifications or phosphorylation states of proteins can provide insights into the molecular characteristics of a tumor and guide personalized treatment strategies.